Talking Fringe – Alinka Angelova on MUTE: A Musical Against Bullying! playing at Toronto Fringe 2014

So I asked the show’s creator, Alinka Angelova, to talk me through this ensemble performance about bullying, finding yourself, and liberation that has already toured the Canadian Fringe circuit to acclaim. It premieres July 2nd at the 2014 Toronto Fringe Festival (and I’ll be doing a review, too). Here’s what she told me:

I have the largest cast, and MUTE is the only show that addresses the issue of bullying. I also think I have the most music, singing and dancing.

3) What is the most interesting or surprising thing you have you learned in the process of developing the show (whichever part(s) of the process you want to focus on).

The most interesting thing about the process of my MUTE journey is watching different cast members take my characters and actually bring them to life. It’s just awesome because I always get new things from each actor and take those new ideas to the next group. I love it!

The most surprising thing is witnessing the effect MUTE has on it’s audiences. There were times when I was writing, I was emotional because of various parts in the story, and I always wondered if people would react the same way I did. They did. However it seemed to have affected them even more.

4) As the show centers on trauma and bullying, in what ways does the artistry of the piece liberate and heal?

MUTE demonstrates how the individuals who are bullied can overcome, and how the bullies can have a change of heart by seeing the consequences of their actions.

It also shows that just by tapping into your talent/passion, it can give you the confidence to be strong, love yourself, and do the things you never thought you could!Liberating/healing factors in MUTE are forgiveness, telling someone when you feel like hurting yourself or others, friendship, love, talent, and if you are a bystander or involved, stand up and tell someone. Do the right thing!

Overall, MUTE is extremely liberating! A musical that makes you feel like you can walk on water!

5) Have you experienced any positive results, post-show during the time that MUTE has been produced elsewhere? For example, have people written to you to share epiphanies, ways they’ve done things differently since seeing the show, or any of those great “Your show saved my life” emails?

Ever since MUTE started back in 2010, it has received nothing but rave reviews. We have had several emails, 4 reference letters from 3 teachers and the director of the city of Barrie, and many many video responses praising the show.

Sometimes, members of the cast are living in their very own real life MUTE, and they often testify to me about how being in MUTE has helped them in their own lives.

Tickets for all mainstage productions are $10 at the door, cash only. Advance tickets are $12, and can be purchased online, by phone (416-966-1062), or from the festival box office at the Fringe Club. (Rear of Honest Ed’s, 581 Bloor St. West). Money-saving value packs are also available if you are going to at least five shows; see website for details.

LATECOMERS ARE NEVER ADMITTED TO FRINGE SHOWS. To avoid disappointment, be sure to arrive a few minutes before curtain.